Programme

The course deals with a critical analysis of the gender representations in media. The first part gives a literature overview on the role and influence of media in the social construction of male and female identities. In the second part, methodological tools will be provided in order to deepen the gender perspective in the analysis of communication practices in various media environments (whether digital or not).
The course aims to:
• strengthen the disciplinary knowledge related to the relationship between gender identity and media;
• enhance critical analysis skills through interactive and laboratory teaching;
• encourage the active participation of students with presentations during the lessons, in order to practice their verbal abilities and communication skills.

Core Documentation

- D. Richardson (2015), Conceptualising Gender, in V. Robinson & D. Richardson (eds), Gender and Women’s Studies, Palgrave, pp. 3-22
- A.L. Tota, A. De Feo, L. Luchetti (2023), Inquinamento visuale. Manifesto contro il razzismo e il sessismo delle immagini, Mondadori, Milano
- S. Capecchi (2014), Methodological problems in gender and media research, Qual Quant, 48, pp. 837–844.

For students who have included Sociologia della pubblicità in their syllabus, the text to be studied in place of A. L. Tota, A. De Feo, L. Luchetti (2023), Inquinamento visuale. Manifesto contro il razzismo e il sessismo delle immagini, Mondadori, Milano, is as follows:
- Manolo Farci, Cosimo Marco Scarcelli (a cura di) (2022), Media digitali, genere e sessualità, Mondadori, Milano

Reference Bibliography

For further exploration of the topics that will be addressed during the lessons, the following texts are recommended (not required readings): Judith Butler (1990). Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. New York: Routledge. Alison Harvey (2019). Feminist Media Studies. Cambridge: Polity Press. bell hooks (1992). Black Looks: Race and Representation. Boston: South End Press. Angela McRobbie (2009). The Aftermath of Feminism: Gender, Culture and Social Change. London: Sage Gillian Rose (2016). Visual Methodologies: An Introduction to Researching with Visual Materials. London: Sage.

Attendance

Attendance is not compulsory

Type of evaluation

EXAM Both attending and non-attending students must pass a written test. This will consist of three open questions, each of them is awarded a mark from zero to ten. The students, with two hours to spare, will have to answer three questions extensively. Assessment Criteria: Knowledge and Understanding: The student demonstrates a solid grasp of the course content, showing a deep and well-structured understanding of the topics covered. Communication Skills: The student uses specialist language accurately and appropriately. Independent Judgment: The student is able to formulate critical and independent judgments, demonstrating analytical and reflective thinking. Argumentative Skills: The student is able to develop a structured and coherent discussion on the proposed topic, avoiding overly brief or generic responses. LABORATORY-BASED PROJECT During the course, attending students can participate in a laboratory-based project dedicated to the media representation from gender point of view. The students will develop group work on the basis of the arguments provided by the professor Antonietta De Feo. Professor will provide all the materials necessary for the realisation of the project. The results will be presented in Power Point and discussed in the classroom. The participation to the laboratory will result in a mark from 1 to 3 which will be added to the examination grade. More information will be provided later both during the lessons and on the Moodle 's page of the course. NB: Participation in the laboratory-based project is not compulsory